Almost 100 new Victorian jobs will be created with a major $9.6 million expansion of the Sigma Pharmaceuticals factory in Dandenong, Premier John Brumby announced today.
Mr Brumby said Sigma Pharmaceuticals was a key player in the Australian pharmaceutical industry and the factory expansion in Dandenong was a vote of confidence in Victoria.
“Sigma employs 1800 people nation wide, with 936 in Victoria. Expanding the factory in Dandenong will create an additional 96 local jobs,” Mr Brumby said. “With this expanded facility, Sigma is poised to significantly increase
its manufacturing levels and Victoria is poised to benefit.”
“The Victorian Government played a key role in Sigma’s decision to expand in Victoria and we will continue to support local companies that contribute to the state, creating Victorian jobs and stimulating the Victorian economy.
“The major expansion will allow Sigma to grow its operations and increase production, significantly increasing its potential around the country and around the world.”
Mr Brumby said the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector in Victoria currently employs around 17,000 Victorians and boasts an annual turnover of $6 billion.
“With this expanded facility, Sigma is poised to significantly increase its manufacturing levels and Victoria is poised to benefit through jobs and economic opportunities.”
Sigma is a leading manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of generic medicines, selling treatments for ailments including Parkinson’s disease, depression, peptic ulcers, eczema, high-blood pressure, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders, and osteoporosis.
Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said Sigma was originally founded in Melbourne in 1912 by two local pharmacists, and now accounts for 33 per cent of the pharmaceuticals market in Australia.
“Sigma is a fantastic example of a successful Victorian innovative business and this expansion will build on Victoria’s strengths in biotechnology and pharmaceutical production,” Mr Jennings said.
“This expansion will result in greater efficiencies through upscaling and the introduction of new technologies.
“The Brumby Government supported Sigma’s expansion as part of our commitment to growing Victoria’s biotechnology and manufacturing sectors.”
Sigma is headquartered in South Croydon and employs 936 staff in Victoria, accounting for more than half the company’s staff nationally. The expansion of the Dandenong will result in 96 new jobs at the Dandenong factory.